I am soon to add in azathioprine and I am wondering what happens when you flare on this drug.

Are we treated with steroids again? If the flares happen too often in a year is the amount of azathioprine increased?

Also I am wondering how best to live on this medication. I notice that other people are wearing factor 50 sunscreen because of the skin cancer risk and are taking their meds at bedtime because it can make you drowsy. Any other tips would be very welcome!

I hope you are all as well as possible and that anyone in a flare will soon be feeling better.Diagnosed ulcerative proctitis in 2008, then left sided colitis 2014 and now subtotal colitis 2015.Take 6 HD asacol per day plus salofalk suppositories/enemas.Also take VSL3, fish oil tablets, vitamin D supplements, slippery elm tablets and wheatgrass.

I've been on 6MP (a sister med to azathioprine) for over 3 years and they haven't given me any significant side effects.

about 20 percent of UC patients feel nausea when initially starting this med, so taking it before retiring for bed with a snack can help avoid it. It's initial, only the first few weeks.

If I'm going to be out in the sun all day then I *try* to remember to put on sunscreen, sometimes I remember and other times not. It's not the end of the world if you do not, you just sunburn a little easier. So, I'd be a little pink the next morning and brown up soon therafter. I'd take reasonable precautions for many hours out in the sun, but don't fear the sun by anymeans.

If your UC is well managed on Aza then your flares will be a lot less frequent, shorter and milder. That said, everyone eventually flares and it's the same basic treatment regardless of whether you're on Aza or any other medication pred, etc.

Certainly be more vigilant of infections requiring antibiotics, e.g., UTI, bronchitis, sinis, etc. As they will come on quicker, be a little stronger, and last a little longer. Seek treatment sooner if you suspect one is coming on.Moderator Ulcerative ColitisJohn, 39, UC Proctosigmoiditis Rx: Remicade @5mgs/kg/6wks; daily 75mgs 6MP, 4.8g Lialda, and 2X rowasaChoose your own UC Adventure! You're at a cafe with friends. Do you choose a slice of cake knowing the consequences (goto page 12), get nothing and watch them eat (p13), or choose carrots and broccoli (p14)?

Thanks ipoop. What's the threshold for too many flares on Azathioprine- is it more than two courses of steroids in a year? Good news on the skin issue, I thought I would be covered in factor 50 forever!Diagnosed ulcerative proctitis in 2008, then left sided colitis 2014 and now subtotal colitis 2015.Take 6 HD asacol per day plus salofalk suppositories/enemas.Also take VSL3, fish oil tablets, vitamin D supplements, slippery elm tablets and wheatgrass.

If your UC is well managed then there should be 1.5-2 years or often a lot more between flares. Anything less is poorly managed case of UC, necessitating stronger maintenance meds. You've got mimimal quality of life if you're flaring twice a year anyways. Gotta at least forget about UC for a few years to count and give you a decent quality of life!Moderator Ulcerative ColitisJohn, 39, UC Proctosigmoiditis Rx: Remicade @5mgs/kg/6wks; daily 75mgs 6MP, 4.8g Lialda, and 2X rowasaChoose your own UC Adventure! You're at a cafe with friends. Do you choose a slice of cake knowing the consequences (goto page 12), get nothing and watch them eat (p13), or choose carrots and broccoli (p14)?